v. & n.
v.tr. 1 express gratitude to (thanked him for the present). 2 hold responsible (you can thank yourself for that).
n. (in pl.) 1 gratitude (expressed his heartfelt thanks). 2 an expression of gratitude (give thanks to Heaven). 3 (as a formula) thank you (thanks for your help; thanks very much). give thanks say grace at a meal. I will thank you a polite formula, now usu. iron. implying reproach (I will thank you to go away). no (or small) thanks to despite. thank goodness (or God or heavens etc.) 1 colloq. an expression of relief or pleasure. 2 an expression of pious gratitude. thank-offering an offering made as an act of thanksgiving. thanks to as the (good or bad) result of (thanks to my foresight; thanks to your obstinacy). thank you a polite formula acknowledging a gift or service or an offer accepted or refused. thank-you n. colloq. an instance of expressing thanks.
[ OE thancian, thanc f. Gmc, rel. to THINK ]